Radiation Profiling

All new portable XRF instruments are tested for radiation leakages before they leave the factory; this is known as their radiation profile (see your manufacturers manual for details). The instrument is then issued with a ‘Compliance Certificate’. The certificate means that when the instrument is operating correctly there is no stray radiation coming out of it that could potentially cause you harm. It also means that all the safety measures contained within the instrument hardware and software are in good working order thereby ensuring safe shutdown in case of malfunction.

After using your instrument for a few years, travelling out bush and on aircraft with the XRF, how do you know if it is still safe? Is the shielding inside the casing of the instrument still in place? Do you ever check that the backscatter and proximity sensors work as they are meant to so you cannot inadvertently zap yourself or others?

It is a statutory requirement that compliance certificates are issued in the states of South Australia, Queensland (3 years), Northern Territory ( 3 years) and Tasmania (4 years).

Portable XRF Services are now registered to conduct Compliance Monitoring of portable XRF instruments. We check the radiation profile of the instruments and ascertain through a series of tests whether the interlocks are operating according to the manufacturers design and specification. If you would be interested in this service, please contact us to organise dropping your instrument off at our office in West Perth for a radiation check-up.